call-and-response
noun
call-and-re·sponse
ˌkȯl-ən(d)-ri-ˈspän(t)s 
: a statement quickly followed by an answering statement
also
: a musical phrase in which the first and often solo part is answered by a second and often ensemble part
Examples of call-and-response in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After, another speaker led the crowd in a call-and-response song that called Trump a rapist and ended with an image of the president being handcuffed.
—
Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
Locals cheered and swayed, heartily piping out call-and-response prompts a la Queen.
—Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Being able to love on our legends in real time in such a call-and-response way is something that will never get old.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Maybe the lack of call-and-response was about the number of older people in the crowd, or the dreary weather sapping everyone’s energy.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for call-and-response
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
Locals cheered and swayed, heartily piping out call-and-response prompts a la Queen.
—Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Being able to love on our legends in real time in such a call-and-response way is something that will never get old.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Maybe the lack of call-and-response was about the number of older people in the crowd, or the dreary weather sapping everyone’s energy.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for call-and-response
Cite this Entry
“Call-and-response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-and-response. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share